MANILA, Philippines - Anti-tobacco advocates and doctors criticized Malacanang’s justification of President Benigno Aquino III’s addiction to smoking.
In a press release, the Philippine Medical Association took exemption to Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda’s statement that Aquino needs to smoke in order to de-stress.
PMA President Oscar Tinio said the end cannot justify the means.
“A person addicted to an abused substance whether it is tobacco or illegal drugs is in a state of constant denial and definitely needs professional help,” he said.
"This is because a substance-dependent person loses self control and is under the mercy of his insatiable physical cravings to get his fix for the day, everyday, wherever and whatever it may take,” he added.
Along with the National Social Action Council, the PMA earlier urged Aquino to be “the driving force” behind the effective implementation of the World Health Organization-Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).
Lacierda, however, said it would be unfair for them to ask for such since they do know that the President is under a lot of stress.
“If people in government who are directly under the control of the President cannot speak the truth to their boss about the clear and present danger to life of tobacco smoking then we appeal to the private and religious sectors, and the Filipino people as a whole, that together we must speak the truth and help our beloved President kick his tobacco addiction for the sake of his, and our nation's, health,” Tinio said.
source: abs-cbn
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